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Group Says Poverty, Disunity Responsible for Surge in Terrorism
Group Says Poverty, Disunity Responsible for Surge in Terrorism
By: Michael Mike
The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has identified the surge in terrorism in Nigeria as a result of disunity among communities across the country and poverty among majority of citizens.
The group in a press statement signed by its Chairman, Isaac Abrak on Tuesday, said the persistent and growing threat of terrorism in Nigeria, particularly in the northern regions, is evident that terrorist groups, both local and international—including Boko Haram, ISWAP, Al-Qaeda affiliates, and more recently, the Lakurawa terrorist group—have exploited the longstanding divisions within our communities to carry out their heinous attacks.
Abrak said: “Terrorism thrives where there is disunity and poverty. In Nigeria, sectarian and political fault lines—especially religious divisions between Christians and Muslims—have allowed these criminals to operate with impunity. Rather than uniting to confront a common enemy, communities often fall into the trap of mutual suspicion and blame. This division has enabled terrorists to continue their violence across religious and political boundaries.”
He noted that: “We must ask ourselves: why do we continue to witness deadly attacks in Christian-dominated areas such as Plateau, Benue, and in the recent tragedy in Gombe, where a truck rammed into an Easter mass rally? Similarly, why are Muslim-majority states like Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto under constant siege? The answer is simple: terrorism knows no religion, region, or tribe. Nigeria as a whole is being targeted, and unless we unite, we risk losing everything, just as happened in countries like Afghanistan and Yemen.”
He however said: “The way forward is not through division, but unity—across religious, ethnic, and political lines. This unity must be backed by bold, people-centered policies that empower communities to protect themselves and deny terrorists the environment they exploit.
“One such policy is the revitalization of the Forest Guard, as proposed in President Bola Tinubu’s campaign manifesto. NCYP has long advocated for this initiative. Properly implemented, it would involve recruiting local community members—those who know the terrain intimately—to safeguard their forests. This would not only improve security but also create jobs and provide a steady income, reducing the appeal of terrorist recruitment.
“In tandem, we strongly support the full implementation of Local Government Financial Autonomy, as ordered by the Supreme Court. When funds are directly allocated to local governments, communities can witness real development at the grassroots. Economic empowerment at this level builds resilience against extremist influence.”
Abrak decried that: “Unfortunately, we continue to see political maneuvering and sabotage when it comes to implementing these people-oriented policies. For example, the debate over state police versus the Forest Guard should not be an either-or argument. If state police are formed, will they truly focus on reclaiming forests overrun by terrorists? And if State Police is viable, why hasn’t this government moved swiftly to implement it?
“Similarly, why have Local Government Councils not opened accounts with the Central Bank to allow FAAC funds to be deposited directly, as constitutionally mandated? These are serious questions our leaders must answer if they are truly committed to ending the insurgency that is devastating rural Nigeria.”
“We urge all Nigerians, especially those in rural communities, to raise their voices and demand full implementation of these critical policies. The political class has demonstrated that when the will exists, necessary legal reforms can be swiftly enacted—as seen when the National Assembly invoked the Doctrine of Necessity to resolve a constitutional crisis after President Yar’Adua’s death,” he said.
He advises that: “Let us show the same urgency in enacting laws and reforms that will empower our people, defend our communities, and defeat terrorism.
“We, the Northern Christian Youth Professionals, stand ready to partner with all patriotic Nigerians, regardless of religion or ethnicity, in the fight for a safer, united, and prosperous Nigeria.”
Group Says Poverty, Disunity Responsible for Surge in Terrorism
Scores killed in Boko Haram/ISWAP renewed
clashes in Mandara Mountains and Sambisa Forest
By: Zagazola Makama
Scores of fighters were reportedly killed in a week-long surge of violent infighting between rival factions of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) across the Sambisa Forest axis of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the renewed hostilities erupted on Jan. 3, following a coordinated ISWAP raid led by two commanders, identified as Jundullah and Ibn Hataf, targeting camps loyal to the Boko Haram faction around the Ali Ngulde axis of the Mandara Mountains.
The offensive, according to the sources, was met with stiff resistance as Boko Haram elements mounted a counter-ambush under the coordination of a field commander known as Abu-Rijal, also called Ba-Sulhu. Dozens of ISWAP fighters were reportedly killed in the encounter, while many captured alive, with weapons seized by the defending faction.
Footage that resurfaced during the week and said to have been obtained by Zagazola Makama, showed captured ISWAP fighters being executed before other combatants, amid claims of victory by the Boko Haram faction.
While the video reflects the brutality that has characterised inter-group rivalries in the forested enclaves of the Lake Chad in Borno State. Heavy weapons including AK-47 rifles, a general-purpose machine gun (GPMG), an anti-aircraft gun and assorted ammunition, were
recovered during the initial clashes.
However, the balance of power appeared to shift days later. On Jan. 6, ISWAP fighters were said to have launched a retaliatory assault on a Boko Haram stronghold in the Sabil Huda axis, triggering a prolonged exchange of heavy gunfire that lasted several hours.
Sources said ISWAP forces eventually overran the position, killing at least 12 Boko Haram fighters and seizing additional weapons.
The aftermath of the fighting reportedly forced the relocation of Boko Haram families, women and children from contested camps to perceived safe havens around the Yale General axis.
Night operations were also said to have been conducted to track fleeing fighters, though no further confirmed engagements were recorded as of Wednesday.
The renewed clashes are consistent with a long-running rivalry rooted in ideological differences, leadership disputes and competition over territory, resources and fighters. Both factions, according to sources, are re-arming and repositioning for possible further attacks.
Scores killed in Boko Haram/ISWAP renewed
clashes in Mandara Mountains and Sambisa Forest
Zulum begins construction of 2 mega schools in Hawul
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has commenced the construction of two new mega schools in Hawul Local Government Area on Wednesday.
A 48-classroom High Islamic College is located in Shafa. It will operate under the accredited curriculum of the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), designed to provide a holistic and modern Islamic education.
Zulum explained that the construction of High Islamic Colleges is part of his campaign promise, which will blend formal education with the study of authentic Islamic knowledge and allow learners to study digital knowledge, numeracy, literacy, and vocational skills.
The second mega school project launched by the Governor is situated in Marama and is aimed at expanding access to quality educational facilities across the LGAs by the Zulum administration.
During his visit, Governor Zulum also announced a plan for the recruitment of additional teachers, stating, “I am happy to lay the foundation of a mega school in Marama town. We are going to support you in all ramifications. In line with my campaign promises to deliver and transform the education sector, this government will construct a befitting two-storey building with 36 classrooms, in addition to other facilities.
“Due to a shortage of teachers, we must recruit competent teachers who are indigenes of Marama to teach in this school,” Zulum stated.
Zulum was assisted with the foundation-laying by the Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe.
Similarly, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, also in Hawul Local Government Area, a facility that was rehabilitated and donated by the State Government to fast-track the take-off of the hospital.
Governor Zulum also commissioned projects executed by Hawul Local Government, including a shopping complex and market stalls.
The Governor was accompanied by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South); former Deputy Governors, Usman Mamman Durkwa and Ali Abubakar Jatau; Hon. Bukar Talba (House of Representatives); the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Abdullahi Musa Askira; members of the State Assembly; commissioners; local government chairmen; and other stakeholders from Southern Borno.
End
BORNO MECHANICS’ ASSOCIATION APPOINTS PCC COMMISSIONER AS PATRON
By: Our Reporter
The Borno State Motorcycle, Tricycle and Generator Mechanics Association has paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Federal Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission (PCC), Borno State Hon. Yusuf Adamu in his Office, during which he was formally appointed as the Patron of the Association.
The visit provided an opportunity for a robust and interactive engagement between the leadership of the Association and the Honourable Federal Commissioner. In his remarks, the Commissioner expressed appreciation for the visit and the confidence reposed in him by the Association. He used the occasion to urge members to, with immediate effect, take advantage of the Mechanic Village allocated to them by the Borno State Government by relocating their operations accordingly. He emphasized that the initiative was aimed at enhancing orderliness, professionalism, and safety within the sector.
The Honourable Federal Commissioner further admonished the Association to remain law-abiding and loyal to constituted authority, stressing that peace and progress can only thrive in an atmosphere of respect for the rule of law. He also charged members to uphold the principles of justice, equity, and fair play in the discharge of their duties, and to desist from any form of sharp practices, particularly cheating unsuspecting members of the public.
Responding on behalf of the delegation, the leader of the Association expressed profound gratitude to the Honourable Federal Commissioner for his warm reception, fatherly advice, and willingness to serve as their Patron. He assured the Commissioner that the Association would adhere strictly to his counsel, particularly on relocating to the Mechanic Village and maintaining high ethical standards in their operations.
The courtesy visit was rounded off with special prayers for peace, progress, and prosperity for the Patron, the Public Complaints Commission, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The event concluded with the taking of group photographs to commemorate the occasion.
BORNO MECHANICS’ ASSOCIATION APPOINTS PCC COMMISSIONER AS PATRON
Scores killed in Boko Haram/ISWAP renewedclashes in Mandara Mountains and Sambisa Forest
Zulum begins construction of 2 mega schools in Hawul
BORNO MECHANICS’ ASSOCIATION APPOINTS PCC COMMISSIONER AS PATRON
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